Matching The Way You Think, With The Problem That Needs Solving

An introduction to incentive-centered design (ICD)

Photo by sebastiaan stam on Unsplash

Often problems are not solved because the system chosen for solving the problem is not in alignment with the thought patterns of the decision-maker. This is where something called incentive-centered design comes into play.

Incentive-centered design (ICD) is the science of designing a system or institution according to the alignment of individual and user incentives with the goals of the system.

By using incentive-centered design, system designers can observe systematic and predictable tendencies in users in response to motivators to provide or manage incentives to induce a greater amount and more valuable participation. ICD is often considered when designing a system to induce desirable behaviors from users, such as participation and cooperation. It draws from principles in various disciplines including economics, psychology, sociology, design, and engineering. ICD has been gaining attention in research communities due to the role it can play in helping systems benefit their…